Tuesday, July 30, 2013

One as requested, one definitely not

As promised in the comments somewhere, here is my full scouting report on new Nat-to-be Aron Jóhannsson, as well as where an idea of where he might be able to fit in the latest edition of my own personal USMNT depth chart (coming soon to an NSC near you).

Meanwhile, the Iceland FA has thrown a wee press release tantrum upon digesting the news. In part, their statement reads:

Aron has for the past year been unable to answer a call-up to the
Iceland National Team from the national coach due to injuries. During
that same time, news came that the US Men National Team
coach was interested in the player. Aron has no link to soccer in the
U.S. at all. Yesterday, a statement from Aron was published where he expressed his
desire to play for the U.S. The only thing that has been pointed out
to KSÍ (the FA) from an interested party is that his income potential as a U.S.
player is much greater, both in the form of salary and sponsorships,
than if he were an Iceland player. It is simply that an Iceland
National team member must play for land and country, and for that they
get honor and glory.

It is the utmost wish of KSÍ that Aron turns back on his idea to
change national teams. Aron is an Icelander from head to toe who we
need in the tough international competitions. Aron has already played 10
Under-21 matches for Iceland and his future belongs there. Hopefully, the
public and media will respond and challenge Aron to continue competing
for Iceland. KSÍ has already called up Aron to participate in the
next national team match vs. the Faroe Islands on August 14th.There is no logic behind Aron relinquishing his Icelandic soccer identity.

Woof. I've not seen such a lack of public grace since Leslie Nielsen knocked someone important down the stairs in one movie or another.

Protecting the safety of the Queen is a task that's gladly accepted by Police Squad. For no matter how silly the idea of having a queen might be to us. As Americans, we must be gracious and considerate hosts.

I do feel for the KSI...and any nation, for that matter, that finds itself in a similar situation.

And, let's be honest, as desperate as that release is, who wouldn't have found it kind of awesome if US Soccer or The Bruce had put out a statement like that after Rossi's decision? (Granted, I realize there are all kinds of differences in the two situations.) Or maybe we would have all found it embarrassing.

But Johannsson is a guy who really only relies on foot speed when he gets past the last defender. In addition to having great separation timing on his runs (another way he's similar to Altidore), he's more about changing speeds, slowing things down, letting defenders overrun him. He's the kept head while those around him go mad.

Playing for the "honor and glory" of Iceland. Is that anything like the "Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan"? I mean who can't get excited about throwing down with the Faroe Islands on a typically Icelandic August evening?

Money is one possible motivator. But perhaps so is the possibility of playing in a major championship. Iceland has never qualified for either the World Cup or the Euros. Kids everywhere grow up dreaming of playing in the World Cup. Playing for the US makes it much more likely for Aron.

Incidentally, how much sponsorships and endorsement income really comes the way of "passport" USMNT players? Has Fabian Johnson or Jermaine Jones increased their income markedly?

Robbie, are you suggesting that someone born in a particular country and raised, if only for a couple of minutes within its society, I mean, was this young man actually enrolled at the Bradenton academy? Robbie, are you saying this person can not be motivated by something other than a better career opportunity?

I had stop half way through Davis's verse (he's first). Eventually I calmed down, told myself, "Look, its bad on purpose. Lighten up." And was able to get through. Laughed many times. Omar's hilarious. Wondo was not comfortable, shockingly bad.

Who is NSC?

NSC is run by Greg Seltzer (MLSsoccer.com), who has reported on soccer across the globe since 2001, covering MLS, MLS Cup, U.S. Men, Women & Youth national teams, World Cup, Gold Cup, U-20 World Cup, the UEFA European Championship, UEFA Champions League and Europa League, UEFA Cup, CONCACAF and UEFA qualifiers, Premiership, Bundesliga, Eredivisie, various second-tier leagues, domestic cups and international friendlies.